Troops of the Nigerian Army, operating under Sector 8 of Operation ENDURING PEACE, have recovered several firearms and ammunition during a security operation aimed at preventing a planned attack on Mwar Community in Chakfem Kingdom, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The operation, conducted as part of the ongoing Operation HARD KNOCK, followed credible human intelligence received on August 19, 2026, indicating an imminent attack on the community by suspected bandit militias.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Nigerian Army, preliminary findings suggested that the planned attack could be connected to the alleged rustling of an unspecified number of cattle, reportedly involving some youths from the community.
Following the intelligence, troops were immediately deployed to conduct fighting patrols and targeted raids in the area.
The operation was aimed at recovering the missing livestock and apprehending those suspected of involvement in the alleged cattle rustling.
According to the statement, troops deployed drones and other surveillance equipment to conduct extensive reconnaissance of surrounding settlements and bush locations in search of the missing cattle.
However, after a systematic search, no trace of the livestock was found.
Further intelligence identified Pantong Stanley and other youths from the community as suspected perpetrators in the alleged cattle rustling.
Acting on the information, troops subsequently carried out a snap raid on Stanley’s residence.
It was gathered that the suspect was not at home when the troops arrived, the operation yielded a significant cache of weapons and ammunition.
Recovered items include one AK-47 rifle, one locally fabricated AK-47 rifle, one locally fabricated revolver rifle, two Dane guns and 15 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition.
The Army said the recovered weapons had been secured, while troops, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies, have intensified targeted searches around locations associated with other identified suspects.
The ongoing operations are aimed at recovering the missing cattle, locating additional weapons caches and apprehending those responsible for the alleged criminal activities.
The development comes amid continued efforts by security forces to prevent the proliferation of illegal firearms and disrupt activities capable of triggering violence and communal conflict in Plateau State.
Operation ENDURING PEACE urged residents to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with credible and timely information on suspicious activities and movements within their communities.
The military also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property, preventing attacks on vulnerable communities and creating an environment conducive to peaceful coexistence across Plateau State and the wider North Central region.
The Nigerian Army said it would sustain intelligence-driven operations to deny criminal elements access to illegal weapons and prevent them from exploiting local disputes and criminal activities to undermine peace and security.